2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive: EX, SX, SX Limited, and SX Limited Nightsky Edition. The base pricing ranged from $46,195 to $55,695, excluding destination charges of $1,895. The Telluride EX was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX Limited trim, which offered luxury features like premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition introduced a blacked-out aesthetic with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. The Telluride's design was praised for its contemporary styling and quality execution, with the transmission shifter positioned to maximize storage space. However, the interior colour options were limited to black unless one chose the SX Limited trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners. It was part of VW's EV-specific MEB platform and followed the European-market ID.3 hatchback. The ID.4's design was more crossover-like compared to other EVs, but it didn't quite resemble an SUV. The interior featured a blend of Volkswagen's minimalism and a smartphone aesthetic, with piano black and matte plastic elements. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in the Statement Package. The interior was spacious, but the driver's seat lacked thigh support, leading to an uncomfortable seating position.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia's Drive Mode Select technology, offering Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The Telluride's AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, complemented by 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. The suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher velocities. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a tested average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive version added a second electric motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort, with a smooth ride over bumps and potholes, but exhibited body roll in corners. The electric motor provided ample power, and the instantaneous torque made acceleration enjoyable. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, relying on friction brakes for a more familiar driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a standard heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and ventilation, and the second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated in Limited grades. The third-row seat was usable for adults, and a button facilitated easy access. The Telluride provided ample storage, with smartphone-friendly bins and trays. The smart hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 601 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, but average legroom for the segment. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,818 litres with the seats folded. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk," but the interior felt spacious. Forward visibility was good, but rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the centre console, though storage was limited. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system allowed pairing of two smartphones via Bluetooth and included wireless smartphone charging. The system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. A 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system was standard with SX trim, and Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. Haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear, but were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system, responding to prompts like "Hello ID." The ID.Light strip at the base of the windshield communicated information to the driver, but was easily overlooked. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New features included Travel Assist, adding automated lane centring, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver is incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding to acceleration and deceleration.